Tuesday, June 8, 2004

Rabid Bats Found in Atlantic County

Atlantic County Division of Public Health officials have reported two cases of bats that tested positive for rabies. The bats were picked up in Hamilton Township on May 5 and Egg Harbor City on May 27. Both were immediately submitted for testing. An investigation by county health officials indicates that no humans or animals came in direct contact with either of these bats.

Although bats benefit our communities by eating unwanted insects, they can occasionally carry rabies. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services reports that less than one percent of all bats are infected with rabies. Bats are usually found in barns and caves but sometimes find their way into homes. Infected bats carry the rabies virus in their saliva and can pass the disease through bites.

"While there is a risk of contracting rabies from bats, unvaccinated domestic animals, especially cats, pose the greatest threat to humans," advises County Health Officer Tracye McArdle.

If you find a bat in your home, try to confine it to one room, turn on the lights and open the windows. Bats will usually leave the room during their normal time of activity in the early evening. If the bat lands, try to cover it with a coffee can or other suitable container. Then put on a pair of leather gloves and slide the container lid or a piece of cardboard under the container to facilitate removal. If you are uncomfortable or unsuccessful in removing the bat on your own, contact a pest control company or animal control officer for assistance.

If there has been any human or animal contact with the bat, it will have to be tested for rabies. Call the Atlantic County Division of Public Health immediately at 645-5971 to arrange to have the bat tested.

Public health officials recommend the following steps to protect your family and pets from rabies:

- Make sure your dog or cat's rabies vaccination is current. Free rabies vaccination clinics are held annually in every municipality. Additionally, the Atlantic County Animal Shelter will host a free rabies vaccination clinic on June 27 from 10 am -12 noon at 240 Old Turnpike Road in Pleasantville. Call 485-2345 for more information.

- Keep your pet on a leash. Do not allow your pet to roam; it can come in contact with rabid wildlife.

- Teach your children to stay away from wild, stray or aggressive animals.

- Never feed or touch wild animals, especially bats, skunks, raccoons or foxes. Do not try to keep these animals as pets.

- If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention.

- Report all animal bites to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at 609-645-5971.

- Contact a professional pest control company if you suspect that you have bats in your home.

For more information about bats and rabies control, visit the Atlantic County web site at www.aclink.org/publichealth or call 609-645-5971 extension 4277.

Click here for more information about rabies control and bats.

County News